Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – published on Thursday, September 04, 2025 19:29 / Updated Thursday, September 4, 2025 7:42
The former great striker from Sporting and Porto, Mario Jardel (51 years old), spoke openly about the problems he had with drug and alcohol use.
Mario Jardel, who was a colleague with Gică Hagi in Galatasaray between 2000 and 2001, lives in his hometown, Fortaleza. Since the end of his career, the Brazilian has gone through periods of fattening and weight loss, dependence on various substances and depression, which he had the power to speak openly.
Mario Jardel, about drug and alcohol addiction: “I did a few treatments, I came back and I am strong”
The former striker said that he stays away from alcohol and cocaine “means killing a lion every day, is a daily fight.” “I have done a few treatments, I have come back and I am strong. I am not ashamed to speak, the people who know me are aware of the person who are: Hi, who was hurting me only. The temptations will come, but the closer you are to God, the more he listens and protects you.”
This battle of Jardel is also difficult because of the ease with which he can reach various substances: “Wherever I reach, there is that person who offers things. You have to be strong, I have never used drugs when I played now, with this new life and the change I decided to do, it is very important to refuse.”
Therefore, the connection with God is a blessing for the player who has left an indentable imprint in Portuguese football: “I am a homemade man, I trust in God to remove people who do not deserve to be near me.
Mario Jardel and Gică Hagi
I lead a very family life, especially since to prevent the things I went through, I avoid many things that were hurting me (…) I do not earn a millions salary, I seek to have a life with my family, very ordered, carefully for everything I have passed.
“Life is too beautiful to play with things that are not worth it,” explains Mario Jardel, who does not remember how long he has not used cocaine.
“I do not know exactly how long, but for a long time and I am very aware that today is one day. I am happy with my current condition. I take my medicine to help me sleep, I take antidepressants, not as much as before, but I take,” Jardel said.
